The under dash systems are fairly big and would be hard to fit in the small space under the glove box.
I replaced my compressor and several other parts early last year because my system wasn't up to the job. In researching replacement parts I kept finding mentions of dealer installed systems. My A/C was listed as an option on the window sticker, so was there a dealer installed kit available...IDK for sure.
If your Track/kick is rust free and a keeper, then I would look for wrecked parts vehicle with A/C and do a swap. That way you would have the fans, wiring, mounting brackets, switches, relays, hoses, clamps and the rest of the bits & pieces. Hopefully, you could do this without disturbing the heater core case which would avoid pulling the dash (PIA).
B95
Doing the used swap is the way to go. And the heater box doesn't need to be touched. The evaporator box replaces the duct between the blower motor and heater box.
Most of the wiring is already in place, but you will need the engine compartment side harness, bracketry and relays, along with the compressor, condensor, fan, hard lines, etc. If you find a system that you know was working, you might not need to replace the compressor, but a new receiver-dryer and expansion valve would be a good idea.
I just rebuilt my entire HVAC system. The dash removal is a daunting task, but can be done by just taking your time. I'm glad I did simply because of all the garbage that was in there, but I had to do it anyway for a heater core replacement.
The AC in my Tracker works better now than my other 2 cars that are a decade newer.
I'm ok with it taking up some room under the glove box as hardly anyone ever sits there. Would I have to change the radiator because I've done some reading and it says it causes more load on the engine and I might need a heavier duty radiator. The kit I'm looking at comes with the ac radiator and a fan though. Does that make a difference?
A larger radiator cooling capacity MAY be needed. Some vehicles that have OE A/C do just that. Some do not, as the one radiator offered CAN have sufficient capacity for either configuration.
Having an added condenser and fan doesn't increase radiator cooling efficiency either, thus doesn't take the place of potentially needing additional engine cooling.
Yes, unless of course the current / stock radiator is old, inefficient, and barely supplying non-A/C needs in its current condition. If that were the case, adding A/C would put you over the edge in the adequate engine cooling department.
You need to compare work and cost of this option compared to fitting your car with OEM setup. I have experience with many cars with these under dash units. They are better than nothing but that is about it. The controls will be across the vehicle from you, so safely adjusting the unit is difficult and problematic. And the predominantly rear facing vents are pointed at the passenger seat. I think you will be disappointed with cooling on your side of the vehicle. Plus, if you go OEM you will have greatly improved defogger funtionality. Just food for thought...
You will have to look up the prices for the parts. The fact that you can't connect an aftermarket to the defrost/defog would be a deal breaker for me. Again, best bet would be to find a trashed one and strip the parts.
B95
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